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swapping 14 inch wheels for 15 inch

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Old 12-25-2013, 10:42 AM
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Default swapping 14 inch wheels for 15 inch

I have a 92 which I'm fixing up low budget now for a daily driver. This will be my first sports car, and although i have driven a Miata before, I have never worked on one.

So The engine in the 92 is high miles and due for an overhaul- but I also got a deal on a wrecked 94 from a family member which has an excellent complete drive train.

So I've heard I can bolt in the entire drive train without any problems.
Is this true?

Gas mileage is also going to be extremely important- acceleration will not- and I want to out some cheap fifteen inch wheels on it for now and drive it to work .

So my next question is what's my best bet for a good deal 15 inch wheels? Used are ok. Later on I will restore the car with nice new wheels , paint, and interior, but for now money is tight!

What tire sizes can I run with 15 inch wheels on an every day basis without modifying the body or suspension?
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Old 12-26-2013, 04:51 PM
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The drive line will bolt right in. You will need to use the '94 motor mounts

You can run the same outside diameter tires on 14 and 15 inch wheels. If you are just looking for gas saving, keep your tire pressure up.
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Old 12-26-2013, 06:34 PM
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is what you're telling me that here is not enough clearance to runs taller tires than came originally on the car s due t lack of clearance?

If that's the case, then the only other alternative is a new rung and pinion set with a taller gear- which doesn't seem to new available except possibly aftermarket and will probably cost an arm and a leg new

but driving this car with the engine revved up to 4000 just going to work down the interstate isn't going to work- too much wasted gas! not to mention wearing the engine out a lot sooner than necessary.

will I need to change out the whole wiring harness ? or just swap out the engine computer and sensors?

I plan on putting in new front and rear seals transoission seals clutch kit, etc while I have it in the shop- my own back yard shop, but well equipped and i have enough experience to do this sort of job easily - just no experience on Mazdas

Is there anything in particular about this older a Miata I ought to fix while I've got it apart ? something peculiar to Miatas?

The chassis is tight and the car is a rust free southern car and has never been in a serious accident

the old engine is supercharged but the supercharger has problems, probably bad bearings at least . the belt is off of it. the engine runs fine , quiet, good power, and does not smoke noticeably but it's using oil.

I would like to keep it but if I can get a enough for it I will sell it and put the money towards a new top .

what should I ask for it? the buyer will be able to see it running in the car.

thanks for your help!!!
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Old 12-26-2013, 09:10 PM
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Originally Posted by Oldfarmermac
is what you're telling me that here is not enough clearance to runs taller tires than came originally on the car s due t lack of clearance?You can get higher profile tires in either size, the 15 inch wheel doesn't make the OD larger.

If that's the case, then the only other alternative is a new rung and pinion set with a taller gear- which doesn't seem to new available except possibly aftermarket and will probably cost an arm and a leg newA driveline from a '94 will give you a different rear ratio

but driving this car with the engine revved up to 4000 just going to work down the interstate isn't going to work- too much wasted gas! not to mention wearing the engine out a lot sooner than necessary.

will I need to change out the whole wiring harness ? or just swap out the engine computer and sensors?I would just swap engines and put the AFM on the '94 and run everything else as the '92

I plan on putting in new front and rear seals transoission seals clutch kit, etc while I have it in the shop- my own back yard shop, but well equipped and i have enough experience to do this sort of job easily - just no experience on Mazdas

Is there anything in particular about this older a Miata I ought to fix while I've got it apart ? something peculiar to Miatas?

The chassis is tight and the car is a rust free southern car and has never been in a serious accident

the old engine is supercharged but the supercharger has problems, probably bad bearings at least . the belt is off of it. the engine runs fine , quiet, good power, and does not smoke noticeably but it's using oil.

I would like to keep it but if I can get a enough for it I will sell it and put the money towards a new top .

what should I ask for it? the buyer will be able to see it running in the car.$200

thanks for your help!!!
See notes above
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Old 01-02-2014, 12:32 PM
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I think he may have a throttle position sensor wiring difference as well, but that is minor.

The '94 will have a taller rear gear ratio which will make a little difference. See my other comments in the intro thread.
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Old 03-13-2014, 03:11 PM
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I'm looking into making my 92 more sportier but without lowering it. I was thinking of going 15 x 8 .. will that make it stick out from the fenders, or just right in there?
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Old 03-16-2014, 08:39 PM
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It depends on the offset of the wheels. Some 15x8 make the tires rub the fenders and make the car not handle very well and some are like they are made for it. Check the offset of the 6UL wheels from 949 Racing for a good offset for 15x8. I think it is +25 or something. A zero offset will make trouble.
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